Welcome!
The Motherhood Sessions
I’m over the moon that you’ve chosen me as your photographer. Allowing someone into your family space is not a decision that’s made lightly. I’m honored to document your Motherhood.
Mood
We’re creating relaxed, intimate moments between you and your children, much like the feeling of having them pile into bed with you on a Sunday morning. Tousled hair, simple clothing, and bare feet all lend to the emotional connection of these Fine Art Photographs.
Styling
Clothing
I have three easy guidelines to remember for every session:
Don’t put everyone in matching clothes :) It’s better that your clothes compliment each other instead of being too matchy-matchy.
Avoid logos, graphics, and words on clothing. The eye will be distracted by that instead of focusing on your love and connection. Avoid street-clothes, anything dressy, and denim.
Wear something that you love and makes you feel good about yourself. Many of my clients use clothes they already have.
Bonus tips:
Dress your family based on your own unique culture. All styles are beautiful so embrace your casual or fancy family personality, and anything in between. From jeans to formal dresses, it all photographs beautifully and it’s importance dims in comparison to your love.
If you’d like to display your photos in your home, keep in mind accent colors that you may want to compliment. Consider the colors and style in the space where the photos will live and base your styling around that. This is completely optional of course!
Mom/Parent- Flowy dresses, robes, gowns or loungewear in soft colors, prints, or textures. Simple spaghetti strap top or tank top with shorts. If you'd like to borrow clothing bring both a nude and black bra and underwear set to be worn with robes, dusters, or dresses provided by me.
Girls/feminine: Flowy dresses, nightgowns, spaghetti strap or simple tank tops. Babies and toddlers can be in diapers, diaper covers, or bottoms only. Bring a simple swaddle or blanket for baby. Studio clothing is not provided for children.
Boys/masculine: Textured shirts or pants, tank tops, snug fitting simple tshirts. Babies and toddlers can be in diapers, diaper covers, or bottoms only. Bring a simple swaddle or blanket for baby. Studio clothing is not provided for children.
Make-up
Keep it light and soft, and whatever is comfortable for you. A full face of "date night" makeup will look out of place in the laid-back, intimate setting.
Hair
We’re going for a “beachy” look. Down and loose with natural wave. Avoid straightening and embrace any natural curls or waves. It’s fine to add curls and waves but keep them tousled and natural looking.
Click HERE to see my maternity and newborn gallery. Please note that styling is very simple which enhances focus on the connection between family members, or between you and your baby in the belly <3.
Important
-Check your child’s face for “crusties” :) Every kiddo tends to have something around their eyes, nose, or mouth at some point. A quick wash in the sink or with a baby wipe will do the trick.
-Studio clothing is only offered for mom, not for children.
Feel free to email clothing pics or questions to vanessabrackphoto@gmail.com.
Session
During the session
Please know that I do not use professional models in any of my work. I photograph everyday, beautiful people. I will direct you and your kiddos throughout the session. It’s perfectly natural to feel nervous or uncomfortable in front of the camera. I will talk to you, make jokes, have you take deep breaths or shake the stiffness out of your pose. My families end up having a pretty good time during the session! Please don't stress over the behavior of your children. I'm a mom of three and have been photographing families for years so there's not a behavior that I haven't seen expressed. Be sure that they're well rested and have a full tummy. With younger kids it's nice to have a treat on hand (we're not above bribing) and with older kids a treat after the session is a nice way to encourage cooperation. Of course, we're happy to let babies eat whenever the need arises and we often capture beautiful photos during that time.
Please allow a half hour for the session and arrive 10 minutes early to allow time for parking and getting into the studio. If you arrive late your session will last only to the end of your time block. Have hair and makeup done when you arrive. No outfit changes are offered but you can bring your clothes to put on in the studio, or you may borrow an outfit from the studio wardrobe. Bring both a nude and black bra and underwear set to be worn with robes, dusters, or dresses provided by me. Clothing is only offered for mom, not for children.
After the session
A gallery of at least 20 unique hand-edited digital images, in both color and black and white, will be emailed to you within 10 days of your session. From this online gallery you may download the 8 digital images of your choice included with your session. You also have the option of purchasing additional digital photos. I offer high resolution digital images because it’s important to me that you have the archival quality images to keep forever, and print from whenever you’d like. For your convenience and to ensure the quality of your prints and products, you may also purchase prints, canvases, and more from your gallery. Digital photos will be emailed to you for download with print release. Prints and products will be shipped directly to you. Galleries will be open for seven days with a fee of $50 to re-open. Sales tax will be added to all prices at checkout.
I can’t wait to meet you all! Once in front of my camera, I will love you forever <3
Please reach out with any questions at vanessabrackphoto@gmail.com.
Interested in a family session? I talk about the importance of family photography HERE.
Terms as agreed to upon purchase
Deposit is non-refundable. In the event of illness, please do not attend we will reschedule within a limited timeframe. Email vanessabrackphoto@gmail.com in the event of illness or emergency.
No more than one adult and only the children being photographed may accompany you in the studio.
There are no guarantees to the poses or shots we capture. Reshoots will not be given for client wardrobe, hair, makeup and appearance, and child/children temperament.
I have an emotional, artistic style. I want your photos to look like art pieces. However, I don't do "photoshopping" to make someone appear thinner or change features. I will remove blemishes and sometimes will soften lines and wrinkles. Your photos will look like you and your family, just as beautiful as you already are. Also, I cull and edit at my discretion. If you love my work then you will love your photos!
